An Early 2025 NFL Free Agency Preview

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertMay 15, 2024
© USA TODAY Sports

With the bulk of the 2024 NFL offseason now behind us, the time to start thinking about next March is now. Spotrac has identified a few notable players at each position group currently on track to become unrestricted free agents after the upcoming season.

RELATED: 2025 NFL FREE AGENT TRACKER

QUARTERBACK

Prescott, who has a no-tag clause in his expiring contract with the Cowboys, is trending toward the open market as of now, and the cost to keep him in Dallas now approaches $60M per year. It seems likely that Jordan Love & Tua Tagovailoa will agree to extensions in the coming months, but the long-term QB plan in Pittsburgh is another situation to monitor.

RUNNING BACK

It was a strong free agency for the running back position this past March, but will the trend continue going forward? Conner has quietly put together a nice run in Arizona, but he’ll be nearly 30 by the time he signs his next deal. Nick Chubb’s recovery from injury this upcoming season will be something to monitor, as Cleveland will be motivated to keep him in the fold for their continuing contention window.

WIDE RECEIVER

It feels like everytime we go to create a list of wide receivers available (draft prospects, extension candidates, trade candidates, etc…) we wind up with a laundry list of talent. The same goes for the upcoming free agency pool, though it’s safe to assume that a few of these names will be removed in the coming weeks and months via extension or a tag. Jefferson & Lamb should obliterate the non-QB money market soon.

TIGHT END

A largely weak list for now could (should) be bolstered this winter by cap casualty candidates. All three of these players have a good chance to secure a multi-year guarantee next March.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Age is certainly a factor with many of the names listed below, but this is a solid group of starting offensive lineman currently set to hit the free market, highlighted by Tristan Wirfs (TB), Taylor Decker (DET), Quinn Meinerz (DEN), Trey Smith (KC), & Creed Humphrey (KC).

TACKLES

GUARDS

CENTERS

INTERIOR DEFENDER

It’s been a big year for defensive tackle money, with Chris Jones (KC), Christian Wilkins (LV), & Justin Madubuike (BAL) resetting the top of the market across the board. The current free agent class isn’t likely to require contracts anywhere near the top of the mountain, but they’ll benefit from the positional raise nonetheless.

EDGE DEFENDER

5 edge defenders signed free agent contracts this past March that contained more than $25M fully guaranteed (Danielle Hunter at $48M led the group). There’s a world where 3-4 of next year’s class eclipse this mark easily, though age is a factor across the board here.

LINEBACKER

As teams continue to passover paying off-ball linebackers in favor of other positions, more and more talented players will be allowed to test the open market. Unfortunately, this is also leading to a bit of a devaluation for these players, as supply is outweighing demand on an annual basis. Patrick Queen’s 3 year, $41M contract in Pittsburgh is all the evidence we need.

CORNERBACK

Samuel Jr. and Terrell should sign extensions in the coming weeks, setting up Jonathan Jones & Charvarius Ward as likely top names to watch heading through the 2024 campaign. Jaire Alexander ($21M per year) & Denzel Ward ($71.25M guaranteed) have held the top marks at the position for a minute now.

SAFETY

Overall, safety contracts have taken a hit in recent offseason (on a similar trajectory to off-ball linebackers). The stars will continue to see big numbers (as evidenced by Antione Winfield Jr.’s recent payday), but by and large, teams are allowed above average players to test the open market before extending. 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Harrison Butker was the 3rd highest rated kicker in 2023 according to PFF, with Prater, McPherson, & Hopkins all cracking the Top 10. This has become a year-to-year what-have-you-done-for-me-lately position however, so most of these names will need strong 2024s to secure any type of multi-year guarantee. The top marks currently sit at $6M per year, $17.5M guaranteed for kickers, $3.6M per year, $7.5M guaranteed for punters.

RELATED: 2025 NFL FREE AGENT TRACKER


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